How to vet a permanent lighting installer

A permanent lighting install puts several hundred fasteners into your trim and leaves electronics on your house for a decade. The difference between a clean job and a callback is almost always the crew, not the brand.

Verify the business first

1. Licence. Current, in your state, and in the right category for exterior electrical work where required.
2. Liability insurance. Ask for a certificate naming an amount and an expiry date, not a screenshot.
3. Workers' compensation. If a crew member is hurt on your roof, you do not want that to be your problem.
4. Physical trading history. How long, how many permanent lighting jobs specifically, not general handyman years.

Ask about the actual installation

• What channel or bracket do you use on my fascia material?
• What is the puck spacing on the model you are quoting?
• How do you seal fastener penetrations?
• Where will the controller and power supply live, and how is the power run?
• Do you mount to gables and window trim, or eaves only?
• How do you handle a run that ends mid-span?

Ask about afterwards

• How long is the workmanship warranty, and what voids it?
• Who replaces a failed puck in year three — you or the manufacturer?
• Typical response time on a service call?
• Do you offer a written maintenance or seasonal check option?

Red flags

• Quotes with a single lump-sum number and no footage or light count
• Pressure to sign today for a "one-time" discount
• No written warranty
• Cash-only, no contract, no licence number on paperwork
• Surface clips or adhesive instead of a mounting channel
• Unwilling to show night photos of local work

Compare quotes properly

Put them side by side on the same six lines: linear feet, model and spacing, light count, electrical work, workmanship warranty, manufacturer warranty. Once those match, price differences mean something.